KA2: Control and Communication Flashcards
What is the nervous system made up of
The Central Nervous System and other nerves
What is the Central Nervous System made up of
The brain and spinal cord
What is the brain made up of
Billions of neurones
What is a neuron
Nerve cell
What is the cerebrum
The largest part of the brain, split into 2 halves. Controls memory, personality, creativity and thoughts
What is the cerebellum
Controls balance and co-ordination
What is the medulla
Controls some vital body functions like heart rate and breathing rate
What is a nerve cell also known as
Neuron
What are the 3 types of neurons and what do they do
Sensory - pass sensory information to the CNS
Inter - Operates in the CNS
Motor - Enables a response to occur at an effector (muscle or gland)
What is a synapse
A gap between 2 neurons
How do chemicals transfer messages
By diffusing across a synapse
What are the stages of synapse
- Electrical impulse reached end of one neuron where there are tiny vacuoles containing chemicals
- Chemicals transfer message across synapse
- Receptors on the neuron capture the chemicals
- The electrical impulse continues along the neuron
Whats the difference between electrical impulses and chemical messages
Electrical impulses travel along a neuron
Chemical messaged pass across neurons at the synapse
What are reflexes
Rapid, automatic and protective actions in response to damaging stimuli
What is an example of reflexes
Withdrawal from extreme heat and pain
Blinking to clear eye
Coughing to clear windpipe
Sneezing to clear air passages
